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2

DO  NOT:
•        

Do not  turn on slopes unless necessary, and then, 
turn slowly and gradually downhill, if possible.

•        

Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments.  
The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over 
the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.

•        

Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could 
cause sliding.

•        

Do not  try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot 
on the ground.

•        

Do not use grass catcher on steep slopes.

III. CHILDREN

Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert to 
the presence of children.  Children are often attracted to 
the ma chine and the mowing activity.  

Never assume that 

children will remain where you last saw them.
•     Keep children out of the mowing area and under the 

watchful care of another responsible adult.

•     Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the 

area.

•     Before and when backing, look behind and 

down for 

small children. 

•         Never carry children.  They may fall off and be seriously 

injured or interfere with safe machine operation.

•      Never allow children to operate the machine.
•      Use extra care when approaching blind corners, shrubs, 

trees, or other objects that may obscure vision.

IV. SERVICE

•     Use extra care in handling gasoline and other fuels.  

They are fl ammable and vapors are explosive.
-  Use only an approved container.
-  Never remove gas cap or add fuel with the engine 

running.  Allow engine to cool before refueling.  Do 
not smoke.

-  Never refuel the machine indoors.
-  Never store the machine or fuel container inside where 

there is an open fl ame, such as a water heater.

•      Never run a machine inside a closed area.
•         Keep nuts and bolts, especially blade attachment bolts, 

tight and keep equipment in good condition.

•      Never tamper with safety devices.  Check their proper 

op er a tion regularly.

•      Keep  machine  free  of  grass,  leaves,  or  other  debris 

build-up.  Clean oil or fuel spillage.  Allow machine to 
cool before storing.

•      Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object.  

Repair, if necessary, before restarting.

•     Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine 

run ning.

•      Grass catcher components are subject to wear, dam-

 age, and deterioration, which could expose moving 
parts or allow objects to be thrown.  Frequently check 
com po nents and replace with manufacturer's rec om -
mend ed parts, when nec es sary.

•         Mower blades are sharp and can cut.  Wrap the blade(s) 

or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing 
them.

•      Check brake operation frequently.  Adjust and service 

as required.

 

I. GENERAL OPERATION 

•     Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the 

manual and on the machine before starting.

•         Only allow responsible adults, who are familiar with the 

in struc tions, to operate the machine.

•         Clear the area of objects such as  rocks, toys, wire, etc.,  

which could be picked up and thrown by the blade.

•      Be sure the area is clear of other people before mow-

 ing.  Stop machine if anyone enters the area.

•      Never carry passengers.
•     Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary.  

Always look down and behind before and while back-
 ing.

•      Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not 

point it at anyone.  Do not operate the mower without 
either the entire grass catcher or the guard in place.

•      Slow down before turning.
•     Never leave a running machine unattended.  Always 

turn off blades, set parking brake, stop engine, and 
remove keys before dismounting.

•      Turn off blades when not mowing.
•     Stop engine before removing grass catcher or un-

 clog ging chute.

•      Mow only in daylight or good artifi cial light.
•      Do not operate the machine while under the infl uence 

of alcohol or drugs.

•      Watch for traffi c when operating near or crossing road-

 ways.

•      Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine 

into a trailer or truck.

•         Data indicates that operators, age 60 years and above, 

are involved in a large percentage of riding mower-re-
lated injuries.  These operators should evaluate their 
ability to operate the riding mower safely enough to 
protect them selves and others from serious injury.

•     Keep machine free of grass , leaves or other debris 

build-up which can touch hot exhaust / engine parts 
and burn. Do not allow the mower deck to plow leaves
or other debris which can cause build-up to occur. 
Clean any oil or fuel spillage before operating or 
storing the machine. Allow machine to cool before
storage.

II. SLOPE OPERATION

Slopes are a major factor related to loss-of-control and 
tipover accidents, which can result in severe injury or death.  
All slopes require extra caution.  If you cannot back up the 
slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not mow it.

DO:

•      Mow up and down slopes, not across.
•      Remove obstacles such as rocks, tree limbs, etc.
•      Watch for holes, ruts, or bumps.  Uneven terrain could 

overturn the machine.  

Tall grass can hide obstacles.

•     Use slow speed.  Choose a low gear so that you will 

not have to stop or shift while on the slope.

•      Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel 

weights or counterweights to improve stability.

•         Use extra care with grass catchers or other at tach ments.  

These can change the stability of the machine.

•     Keep all movement on the slopes 

slow and gradual.  

Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.

•      Avoid starting or stopping on a slope.  If tires lose trac-

tion,  disengage the blades and proceed slowly 

straight 

down the slope.

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Ride-On Mowers

IMPORTANT: 

 THIS CUTTING MACHINE IS CAPABLE OF AMPUTATING HANDS AND FEET AND THROW ING OBJECTS.  FAILURE 

TO OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.

Summary of Contents for 188695

Page 1: ...ODEL NO PO15538A 15 5 HP 38 Inch Lawn Tractor For Parts and Service contact our authorized distributor call 1 800 849 1297 For Technical Assistance call 1 800 829 5886 188695 11 13 03 TR PRINTED IN U S A ...

Page 2: ...he machine Clear the area of objects such as rocks toys wire etc which could be picked up and thrown by the blade Be sure the area is clear of other people before mow ing Stop machine if anyone enters the area Never carry passengers Do not mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary Always look down and behind before and while back ing Be aware of the mower discharge direction and do not point it a...

Page 3: ...r the watchful care of another responsible adult Be alert and turn machine off if children enter the area Before and when backing look behind and down for small children Mow up and down slopes 15 Max not across Remove obstacles such as rocks tree limbs etc Watchforholes ruts orbumps Uneventerraincouldoverturn the machine Tall grass can hide obstacles Use slow speed Choose a low gear so that you wi...

Page 4: ...ctions will enable you to assemble and maintain your tractor properly Always observe the SAFETY RULES CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES Read and observe the safety rules Follow a regular schedule in maintaining caring for and using your tractor Follow the instructions under Maintenance and Storage sections of this owner s manual WARNING This tractor is equipped with an internal com bustion engine and shou...

Page 5: ...eering Boot Steering Wheel Adapter 1 Bolt 1 Washer 17 32 x 1 3 16 x 12 Gauge Seat 2 Keys Slope Sheet Keys 1 Lock Washer 1 2 Steering Extension Shaft 1 Large Flat Washer 1 Oil Drain Tube For Future Use 1 Hex Bolt 1 4 28 x 1 1 4 1 Locknut 1 4 28 1 Locknut 1 2 20 ...

Page 6: ...ID ATTACH STEERING WHEEL See Fig 1 ASSEMBLE EXTENSION SHAFT AND BOOT Slide extension shaft onto lower steering shaft Align mountingholesinextensionandlowershaftsandinstall 1 4 hex bolt and locknut Tighten securely IMPORTANT TIGHTEN BOLT AND NUT SECURELY TO 10 12 FT LBS TORQUE Place tabs of steering boot over tab slots in dash and push down to secure INSTALL STEERING WHEEL Position front wheels of ...

Page 7: ... seat without moving its adjusted position Raise seat and tighten adjustment bolt securely 2466 02465 SEAT PAN SHOULDER BOLT FLAT WASHER SEAT TO DRIVE TRACTOR OFF SKID See Op eration section for location and function of controls WARNING Before starting read understand and follow all instructions in the Operation section of this manual Be sure tractor is in a well ventilated area Be sure the area i...

Page 8: ...HE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT ITEMS Engine oil is at proper level Fuel tank is filled with fresh clean regular unleaded gasoline Become familiar with all controls their location and function Operate them before you start the engine Be sure brake system is in safe operating condition CHECK TIRE PRESSURE The tires on your tractor were overinflated at the factory for shipping purposes Correct tire pressure ...

Page 9: ...uld result in serious injury or death The safety alert symbol is used to identify safety inform ation about hazards which can result in death serious injury and or property damage DANGER indicates a hazard which if not avoided will result in death or serious injury WARNING indicates a hazard which if not avoided could result in death or serious injury CAUTION indicates a hazard which if not avoide...

Page 10: ...f THROTTLE CHOKE CONTROL Used for starting and controlling engine speed CLUTCH BRAKE PEDAL Used for declutching and brak ing the tractor and starting the engine PARKING BRAKE Locks clutch brake pedal into the brake position GEARSHIFT LEVER Selects the speed and direction of tractor ATTACHMENT LIFT LEVER Used to raise lower and adjust the mower deck or other attachments mounted to your tractor LIFT...

Page 11: ...approximately 1 1 2 to 4 The heights are measured from the ground to the blade tip withtheenginenotrunning Theseheightsareapproximate and may vary depending upon soil conditions height of grass and types of grass being mowed The average lawn should be cut to approximately 2 1 2 inches during the cool season and to over 3 inches during hot months For healthier and better looking lawns mow often and...

Page 12: ...nt slowly release parking brake and clutch brake pedal Make all turns slowly TO TRANSPORT Raiseattachmentlifttohighestpositionwithattachment lift control When pushing or towing your tractor be sure gearshift lever is in neutral N position Do not push or tow tractor at more than five 5 MPH NOTE To protect hood from damage when transporting your tractor on a truck or a trailer be sure hood is closed...

Page 13: ...ad restart the engine and allow it to warm up for one minute using the choke as described above COLD WEATHER STARTING 50 F and below When engine starts allow engine to run with the throttle control in the choke position until the engine runs roughly then move throttle control to fast posi tion This may require an engine warm up period from several seconds to several minutes depending on the temper...

Page 14: ...t_sch tractore new1 LUBRICATION CHART 01964 FRONT WHEEL BEARING ZERK FRONT WHEEL BEARING ZERK ENGINE SPINDLE ZERK SPINDLE ZERK GENERAL PURPOSE GREASE REFER TO MAINTENANCE ENGINE SECTION IMPORTANT DO NOT OIL OR GREASE THE PIVOT POINTS WHICH HAVE SPECIAL NYLON BEARINGS VISCOUS LUBRICANTS WILL ATTRACT DUST AND DIRT THAT WILL SHORTEN THE LIFE OF THE SELF LUBRICATING BEARINGS IF YOU FEEL THEY MUST BE L...

Page 15: ...und If blade is balanced it should remain in a horizontal position If either end of the blade moves downward sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced TRACTOR Always observe safety rules when performing any main tenance BRAKE OPERATION If tractor requires more than six 6 feet stopping distance at high speed in highest gear then brake must be adjusted See TOADJUSTBRAKE intheServiceandAdjust...

Page 16: ...ging oil Remove yellow cap from end of drain valve and install the drain tube onto the fitting 02463 CLOSED AND LOCKED POSITION YELLOW CAP DRAIN TUBE OIL DRAIN VALVE FIG 11 Unlock drain valve by pushing inward and turning counterclockwise To open pull out on the drain valve After oil has drained completely close and lock the drain valve by pushing inward and turning clockwise until the pin is in t...

Page 17: ...12 CLEANING Clean engine battery seat finish etc of all foreign matter Keep finished surfaces and wheels free of all gasoline oil etc Protect painted surfaces with automotive type wax We do not recommend using a garden hose or pressure washer to clean your tractor unless the engine and trans mission are covered to keep water out Water in engine or transmission will shorten the useful life of your ...

Page 18: ... belt off engine pulley Removesmallretainerspring andremoveclutchspring off pulley bolt Remove large retainer spring slide collar off and push housing guide out of bracket Disconnect anti swaybar from chassis bracket by re moving retainer spring Disconnect suspension arms from rear deck brackets by removing retainer springs Disconnect front links from deck by removing retainer springs Raise lift l...

Page 19: ...he mower housing should be adjusted so that the front is approximately 1 8 to 1 2 lower than the rear when the mower is in its high est position Checkadjustmentonrightsideoftractor Measuredistance D directly in front and behind the mandrel at bottom edge of mower housing as shown Before making any necessary adjustments check that both front links are equal in length If links are not equal in lengt...

Page 20: ...Measure distance between brake operating arm and nut A on brake rod If distance is other than 1 1 2 loosen jam nut and turn nut A until distance becomes 1 1 2 Retighten jam nut against nut A Road test tractor for proper stopping distance as stated above Readjust if necessary If stopping distance is still greater than five 5 feet in highest gear further maintenance is necessary Replace brake pads o...

Page 21: ...sive gases Keep sparks flameandsmokingmaterialsawayfrom batteries Always wear eye protection when around batteries If your battery is too weak to start the engine it should be recharged See BATTERY in the MAINTENANCE sec tion of this manual If jumper cables are used for emergency starting follow this procedure IMPORTANT YOURTRACTOR IS EQUIPPEDWITH A 12VOLT SYSTEM THE OTHER VEHICLE MUST ALSO BE A 1...

Page 22: ...AN 02602 KEPS NUT HEX BOLT POSITIVE RED CABLE NEGATIVE BLACK CABLE TERMINAL COVER REPLACING BATTERY See Figs 23 and 24 WARNING Do not short battery terminals by allowing a wrench or any other object to contact both terminals at the same time Before connect ing battery remove metal bracelets wristwatch bands rings etc Positive terminal must be connected first to prevent sparking from acci dental gr...

Page 23: ...OL CABLE The throttle control has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be necessary If adjustment is nec essary see engine manual TO ADJUST CHOKE CONTROL The choke control has been preset at the factory and ad justment should not be necessary If adjustment is neces sary see engne manual TO ADJUST CARBURETOR Your carburetor is not adjustable If your engine does not operate properly ...

Page 24: ...FUEL SYSTEM PARTS SUCH AS CARBURETOR FUEL FILTER FUEL HOSE OR TANK DURING STORAGE ALSO EXPERIENCE INDICATES THAT ALCOHOL BLENDED FUELS CALLED GASOHOL OR USING ETHANOLORMETHANOL CANATTRACTMOISTUREWHICH LEADSTOSEPARATIONANDFORMATIONOFACIDSDURING STORAGE ACIDIC GAS CAN DAMAGE THE FUEL SYSTEM OF AN ENGINE WHILE IN STORAGE Empty the fuel tank by starting the engine and let it run until the fuel lines a...

Page 25: ...Faulty ignition switch 7 Check replace ignition switch 8 Faulty solenoid or starter 8 Check replace solenoid or starter 9 Faulty operator presence switch es 9 Contact an authorized service center department Engine clicks but will not 1 Weak or dead battery 1 Recharge or replace battery start 2 Corroded battery terminals 2 Clean battery terminals 3 Loose or damaged wiring 3 Check all wiring 4 Fault...

Page 26: ... Mower deck not level 4 Level mower deck 5 Low uneven tire air pressure 5 Check tires for proper air pressure 6 Worn bent or loose blade 6 Replace sharpen blade Tighten blade bolt 7 Buildup of grass leaves and trash under mower 7 Clean underside of mower housing 8 Mower drive belt worn 8 Replace mower drive belt 9 Blades improperly installed 9 Reinstall blades sharp edge down 10 Improper blades us...

Page 27: ...UR TRACTOR IS EQUIPPED WITH A SPECIAL ALTERNATOR SYSTEM THE LIGHTS ARE NOT CONNECTED TO THE BATTERY BUT HAVE THEIR OWN ELECTRICAL SOURCE BECAUSE OF THIS THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE LIGHTS WILL CHANGE WITH ENGINE SPEED AT IDLE THE LIGHTS WILL DIM AS THE ENGINE IS SPEEDED UP THE LIGHTS WILL BECOME THEIR BRIGHTEST WIRING INSULATED CLIPS NOTE IF WIRING INSULATED CLIPS WERE REMOVED FOR SERVICING OF UNIT THEY...

Page 28: ...28 28 29 26 24 42 43 27 27 25 41 27 27 40 33 90 30 8 2 1 27 48 16 16 22 21 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR MODEL NUMBER PO15538A ELECTRICAL 52 ...

Page 29: ...eps Hex 1 4 20 unc 28 4207J Cable Ground 6 Ga 12 black 29 121305X Switch Plunger Nc Gray 30 175566 Switch Ign 33 140401 Key Ign 40 179720 Harness Ign 41 71110408 Bolt Blk Fin Hex 1 4 20 42 131563 Cover Terminal Red 43 178861 Solenoid 48 140844 Adapter Ammeter 52 141940 Protection Wire Loop 90 180449 Cover Terminal Battery KEY PART NO NO DESCRIPTION NOTE All component dimensions given in U S inches...

Page 30: ...CTOR MODEL NUMBER PO15538A CHASSIS 209 2 35 209 26 35 209 26 33 10 34 1 208 11 208 13 24 26 25 26 25 209 31 24 30 209 8 209 6 16 9 15 209 209 5 5 145 37 37 18 206 205 205 38 38 17 28 166 39 Chassis Elite_Basic_LT_5 29 212 ...

Page 31: ...Fin Hex 3 8 16 unc x 1 Gr 5 25 19131312 Washer 13 32 x 13 16 x 12 Ga 26 73800600 Nut Lock Hex w Ins 3 8 16 unc 28 183826 Grille Lens Asm 29 183824X599 Lens Grille Basic Bar 30 169465X428 Fender 31 136619 Bracket Fender Repl 109873X 33 179716X428 Footrest Pnt LH 34 179717X428 Footrest Pnt RH 35 72110606 Bolt Rdhd Sht Sqnk 3 8 16 x 3 4 37 17490508 Screw Thdrol 5 16 18 x 1 2 TYT 38 175710 Bracket Asm...

Page 32: ... 14 41 38 39 57 120 74 75 78 76 77 25 26 19 24 2 53 35 34 37 36 35 62 36 64 65 59 56 212 55 63 116 70 77 61 22 27 26 6 113 18 51 5 18 6 52 30 32 32 30 52 11 21 4 3 13 10 8 12 12 7 263 263 1 15 96 26 79 16 66 27 51 48 151 202 49 47 50 120 150 6 170 drive saddle_33 ...

Page 33: ...6 Ga 37 1572H Pin Roll 3 16 x 1 38 179114 Pulley Composite Flat 39 72110622 Bolt 3 8 16 x 2 3 4 41 175556 Keeper Belt Idler 47 127783 Pulley Idler V Groove Plastic 48 154407 Bellcrank Clutch Grnd Drv STL 49 123205X Retainer Belt Style Spring 50 72110612 Bolt Carr Sh 3 8 16 x 1 1 2 Gr 5 51 73680600 Nut Crownlock 3 8 16 unc 52 73680500 Nut Crownlock 5 16 18 unc 53 105710X Link Clutch 7 66 55 105709X...

Page 34: ... 9 4 3 32 43 95 43 8 10 40 11 8 6 9 46 46 8 6 9 2 47 47 26 30 28 1 41 42 37 36 37 38 12 39 68 67 67 67 13 65 85 85 68 15 15 15 29 29 82 88 71 17 29 43 91 steering_pl lt_46 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR MODEL NUMBER PO15538A STEERING ...

Page 35: ...ch 36 155099 Bushing Strg 5 8 Id Dash 37 152927 Screw 38 140045X428 Cap Wheel Steer Ayp 39 19183812 Washer 9 16 x 2 3 8 40 73540600 Nut Crownlock 3 8 24 41 186737 Adaptor Wheel Strg 42 145054X428 Boot Dash Mtl Steering Blk 43 121749X Washer 25 32 x 1 1 4 x 16 Ga 44 180640 Extension Steering 46 121232X Cap Spindle Fr Top Blk 47 183226 Fitting Grease 51 73540400 Nut 1 4 28 54 71130420 Bolt Hex 1 4 2...

Page 36: ...T Spark Arrester 29 44 46 32 31 33 37 33 40 13 4 72 78 81 3 78 23 45 14 38 engine bs 1cyl_49 REPAIR PARTS TRACTOR MODEL NUMBER PO15538A ENGINE KEY PART NO NO DESCRIPTION 44 17670412 Screw Thdrol 1 4 20 x 3 4 45 17000612 Screw Hex Wsh Thdrol 3 8 16 46 19091416 Washer 9 32 x 7 8 x 16 Ga 72 183906 Screw Scocket Head 5 16 18 x 1 78 17060620 Screw 3 8 16 x 1 1 4 81 73510400 Nut Keps Hex 1 4 20 unc NOTE...

Page 37: ...121246X Bracket Pnt Mounting Switch 13 121248X Bushing Snap Blk Nyl KEY PART NO NO DESCRIPTION 14 72050412 Bolt Rdhd Sht Nk 1 4 20 x 1 1 2 15 134300 Spacer Split 28 x 96 16 121250X Spring Cprsn 17 123976X Nut Lock 1 4 Lge Flg 21 171852 Bolt Shoulder 5 16 18 unc 2A 22 73800500 Nut Lock Hex w Ins 5 16 18 23 71110814 Bolt Hex 24 19171912 Washer 17 32 x 1 3 16 x 12 Ga 25 127018X Bolt Shoulder 5 16 18 ...

Page 38: ...311 Decal Handle Lft Height Adj 188695 Manual Owner s English 188696 Manual Owner s French KEY PART NO NO DESCRIPTION 1 59192 Cap Tire valve 2 65139 Stem Valve 3 106222X Tire Front 4 59904 Tube Front Service item only 5 106732X624 Rim assembly 6 front 6 278H Fitting Grease Front wheel only 7 9040H Bearing Flange Front wheel only 8 106108X624 Rim assembly 8 rear 9 106268X Tire Rear 10 7152J Tube Re...

Page 39: ...ng Nylon Blk 629 Id 7 109413X Grip Handle Bicycle Matte Blk 8 124526X Button Plunger Black 11 139865 Link Lift LH Fixed Length 12 139866 Link Lift RH Fixed Length 13 4939M Retainer Spring KEY PART NO NO DESCRIPTION NOTE All component dimensions given in U S inches 1 inch 25 4 mm KEY PART NO NO DESCRIPTION 15 173288 Link Front 16 73350800 Nut Jam Hex 1 2 13 unc 17 175689 Trunnion 18 73800800 Nut Lo...

Page 40: ...ECK 86 3 8 4 2 2 15 14 13 11 149 10 9 8 1 21 2 29 27 23 26 28 25 24 21 87 88 21 31 40 150 45 32 33 45 55 54 56 36 36 89 123 113 53 30 109 89 122 40 89 108 146 107 68 2 16 97 101 98 99 100 96 21 2 110 19 4 3 5 6 21 148 38_deck manual mulch_2 185 67 158 152 ...

Page 41: ...94 Pulley Idler Flat 40 73680600 Nut Crownlock 3 8 16 unc 45 4497H Retainer 53 130840 Brake Assembly 54 178515 Washer Hardened 55 133840 Idler Arm Assembly 56 165723 Spacer Retainer 67 106932X Knob 68 144200 V Belt 42 Mower 86 7631J Runner LH 87 128772 Runner RH 88 19111216 Washer 11 32 x 3 4 x 16 Ga 89 19131311 Washer 13 32 x 13 16 x 11 Ga 96 74930620 Bolt 3 8 16 x 1 1 4 Mulcher 97 73930600 Nut C...

Page 42: ...d for rental or commercial purposes is limited to 90 days from the date of original purchase 5 This Warranty applies only to products which have been properly assembled adjusted operated and main tained in accordance with the instructions furnished This Warranty does not apply to any product which has been subjected to alteration misuse abuse improper assembly or installation delivery damage or to...

Page 43: ...the face Do not mow slopes greater than 15 degrees Make turns gradually to prevent tipping or loss of control Exercise extreme caution when changing direction on slopes 1 Fold this page along dotted line indicated above 2 Hold page before you so that its left edge is vertically parallel to a tree trunk or other upright structure 3 Sight across the fold in the direction of hill slope you want to me...

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